National Glaucoma Week 2009

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16th August 2009, 09:00am - Views: 707





Community Health Minister For Indigenous Health, And Rural And Regional Health 1 image


THE HON WARREN SNOWDON MP

Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health

and Regional Services Delivery



16 August 2009



NATIONAL GLAUCOMA WEEK 16-23 AUGUST


National Glaucoma Week (16-23 August) is a timely reminder to all Australians of the

importance of regular eye examinations.


Minister for Indigenous Health, Rural and Regional Health and Regional Services Delivery,

Warren Snowdon, said glaucoma continues to be one of the leading causes of blindness in

Australia, and it is estimated around 300,000 Australians have glaucoma, but half are

unaware they have the condition.


“Significant loss of peripheral vision can occur before people realise they have the disease,

and it is not possible to reverse the eye damage once it has occurred,” he said.


“With high rates of diabetes, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at particular

risk of developing preventable blindness and vision loss from conditions such as glaucoma,

and are less likely to seek access to specialist eye health services than other Australians.

 

“That is why the Rudd Government has committed funding to improve access to eye health

services for Indigenous Australians through the Improving Eye and Ear Health Services for

Indigenous Australians for Better Education and Employment Outcomes measure totalling

$58.3 million over four years,” he said.


“This investment includes expansion of the Visiting Optometrist Scheme to provide new and

increased numbers of optometric services to remote and very remote communities.


“Importantly these services will improve the early detection of eye health conditions, and

start treatment before it is too late.”


Mr Snowdon said the incidence of glaucoma could also be age related, so it is important that

all Australians from middle age onwards have their eyes checked regularly by an optometrist

or ophthalmologist.


“Early detection and treatment can slow down the progression of glaucoma and prevent

further vision loss.  This glaucoma week make time for a check up and keep an eye on your

sight,” he said.


Media contact: Kate Sieper 02 6277 7427 and 0488 484 689.








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